Meet the Team

The high-flying Purina Incredible Dog Team is a collection of some of the world's most athletic canines. The Team is comprised of more than eight trainers and 30 canines that travel across the country performing at halftime shows, on television programs and a variety of other public events.

Laura Moretz

Trainer Laura Moretz always enjoyed being around dogs growing up, but it wasn't until she adopted a very active Australian Shepherd that she realized her enthusiasm for them. Beginning with basic obedience training, Laura quickly advanced to more action-packed competitive activities such as flying disc and flyball.

Melissa Heeter

Trainer Melissa Heeter began her career at the early age of seven by helping her father train horses on their family farm. So, it was only natural that Melissa also worked with some of the other animals on the farm, especially the dogs! Eventually, she realized that she could combine her passion for animals with her knack for teaching dogs to become an amazing flying disc competitor. Melissa has been competing for more than 20 years.

Nadja Palenzuela

Trainer Nadja Palenzuela began training dogs when she adopted a very high energy mixed breed named Indalo, who was in need of some direction. During her search to find ways to channel Indalo’s energy, Nadja took up agility, and later began training for flying disc. Twelve years and ten shelter dogs later, Nadja is considered an expert in canine sports that range from dock diving to agility to flying disc.

Tony Hoard

Trainer Tony Hoard is truly a product of the Purina® Incredible Dog Team. Although Tony has been training dogs in basic commands since he was a child, he didn’t realize his potential until he watched an Incredible Dog Team performance in his hometown, which inspired him to try flying discs. In fact, he went home later that day and began training his Australian Shepherd.